Among the curious results of this fancy for rustic work, we may mention the moss-house-erected in several places abroad. The skeleton or frame-work of the arbor or house is formed as we have just stated; over this small rods half an inch in diameter are nailed, about an inch from centre to centre; after the whole surface is covered with this sort of rustic lathing, a quantity of the softer wood-moss of different colors is collected; and taking small parcels in the hand at a time, the tops being evenly arranged, the bottoms or roots are crowded closely between the rods with a small wooden wedge. When this is done with some little skill, the tufted ends spread out and cover the rods entirely, showing a smooth surface of mosses of different colors, which has an effect not unlike that of a thick Brussels carpet.
The mosses retain their color for a great length of time, and when properly rammed in with the wedge, they cannot be pulled out again without breaking their tops. The prettiest example which we have seen of a handsome moss-house in this country, is at the residence of Wm. H. Aspinwall, Esq., on Staten Island.
